NEPA says tadpole surge after Hurricane Melissa ‘no cause for concern’
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) says it is aware of a recent video currently circulating on social media which shows tadpoles in a water body following the passage of Hurricane Melissa and sought to assure members of the public that this occurrence is not a cause for concern.
According to NEPA, excess standing water provides suitable conditions for cane toads to lay eggs in areas that may appear unconventional to the public, but assured that this situation is not unusual.
“The video currently circulating was likely taken after a recent spawning event of cane toads, as indicated by the presence of numerous tiny tadpoles. A single adult female cane toad can lay thousands of eggs in one brood, and the number observed in the video likely resulted from spawning by only a few females,” NEPA said.
“This is a normal and regular occurrence, particularly in drains, stagnant water bodies and temporary pools formed after heavy rainfall and flooding, such as that experienced during the passage of Hurricane Melissa. The excess standing water provides suitable conditions for cane toads to lay eggs in areas that may appear unconventional to the public. This situation is not unusual and is not a cause for concern,” NEPA explained.
The agency said the species that reproduce in large numbers also experience high mortality rates and only a small fraction of these tadpoles will survive to become froglets, and an even smaller number will reach adulthood.
“Scientific literature supports this observation, noting that cane toads employ a reproductive strategy involving large clutches of eggs (approximately 8,000–35,000 per brood) to offset naturally high mortality rates among tadpoles and juveniles,” NEPA said.
The agency said while there are no perceived negative impacts, members of the public can help reduce such occurrences by removing standing water around homes and within communities. They can also advocate for the clearing of drains and filling shallow stagnant areas with soil.
“These actions not only limit breeding opportunities for cane toads but also serve as important mosquito vector control measures, helping to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases,” it said.
The agency discouraged the use of chemicals or bleach to kill tadpoles, as “this can harm the environment and negatively impact native species”.
